
Philip Michaels
Philip Michaels is a Managing Editor at Tom's Guide. He's been covering personal technology since 1999 and was in the building when Steve Jobs showed off the iPhone for the first time. He's been evaluating smartphones since that first iPhone debuted in 2007, and he's been following phone carriers and smartphone plans since 2015. He has strong opinions about Apple, the Oakland Athletics, old movies and proper butchery techniques. Follow him at @PhilipMichaels.
Latest articles by Philip Michaels

iPhone 16e battery life tested — how it measures up to other iPhones
By Philip Michaels published
Apple says the iPhone 16e has the longest-lasting battery of any 6.1-inch phone it's ever made. Let's test that claim.

OnePlus Open 2 could have been the best foldable of the year — so why is it not happening?
By Philip Michaels last updated
A new OnePlus Open wouldn't just mean an exciting new device — it would also keep other foldable phone makers on their toes.

The Moto G Power (2025) promises long battery life — I found out if it could deliver
By Philip Michaels published
The latest version of the Moto G Power delivers the long battery life you'd expect. But it may not be the best long-lasting option for bargain hunters.

Pixel 9a vs iPhone 16e — here's 3 ways Google can beat Apple
By Philip Michaels published
The iPhone 16e could soon be joined by the Pixel 9a, as Google releases a midrange phone of its own. Here's what's going to determine which is the best alternative to pricier flagships.

iPhone 16e — everything you need to know
By Philip Michaels last updated
Apple has announced its latest phone, the iPhone 16e and here's everything we know about the device.

Best mobile hotspots in 2025
By Jeffery Battersby last updated
These are the best mobile hotspots for Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile customers.

I covered Samsung's Galaxy S25 launch and I saw 5 things Apple should learn for its iPhone releases
By Philip Michaels published
Apple could learn a few lessons from what Samsung announced when it showed off the Galaxy S25 models last month.

Best cell phone plans for seniors in 2025
By Philip Michaels last updated
Here's how the best cell phone plans for seniors compare, ranging from the cheapest to best unlimited options.

iPhone SE 4 coming soon — 7 biggest rumored upgrades
By Philip Michaels last updated
With an iPhone SE 4 launch looming, here are all the top rumors surrounding the upcoming device.

An iPhone SE 4 launch next week sounds like a huge mistake for Apple — here’s why
By Philip Michaels published
A report says that Apple could release the iPhone SE 4 to little fanfare next week. That would be doing the new model a great disservice if rumored features are accurate.

Samsung Galaxy S25 vs. Galaxy S25 Plus vs. Galaxy S25 Ultra: Which one should you buy?
By Philip Michaels last updated
Trying to decide which of Samsung's new phones to get? Here's how the Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Plus and Galaxy S25 Ultra compare.

Samsung Galaxy Fold 7 could be a lot like this foldable that already launched
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 7 details make the upcoming phone sound an awful lot like the Galaxy Z Special Edition that came out in South Korea last year.

Galaxy S25 hits stores this Friday — here's the first feature I'm going to try
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy S25 lineup introduces many features, but cross app actions powered by Galaxy AI is the one that interests me the most.

iOS 18.3 proves Apple Intelligence is far from finished
By Philip Michaels published
The Apple Intelligence rollout continues, even if iOS 18.3 enables AI tools by default now. And Siri updates are the big missing piece of the puzzle.

Apple's likely to release lots of iPhones this year — which one should you plan to get?
By Philip Michaels published
With an iPhone SE 4 launch expected in the spring and this year's iPhone 17 updates likely to happen in the fall, it's time to start thinking about which iPhone you''re going to upgrade to.

Apple says the iPhone 16 is selling well and Apple Intelligence is a big reason why
By Philip Michaels published
iPhone sales may have been flat during the holiday quarter, but Apple says the iPhone 16 is performing better than the iPhone 15 did. And Apple Intelligence is apparently a big reason why.

I tested Motorola’s new budget phone and I'm surprised by what you get for less than $200
By Philip Michaels published
The Moto G (2025) is the latest version of Motorola's budget phone. It delivers the long-lasting battery life of previous versions while making unexpected improvements in other areas.

I left my OnePlus 13R alone for a week — and I was shocked at what happened when I returned
By Philip Michaels published
I knew that the OnePlus 13R lasted a long time on a charge based on the Tom's Guide battery test. But I found out exactly how long just the other day.

Samsung Galaxy S25 — 5 reasons to buy and 3 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
Is Samsung's premium phone a good fit for your needs?

Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge — I've got 7 big questions about this super hyped phone
By Philip Michaels published
Samsung has told us that it's working on a Galaxy S25 Edge, but we don't know much else about the phone. Here's what I'm hoping to figure out before the S25 Edge arrives.

Samsung Galaxy S25 — here’s the AI features that could make you upgrade
By Philip Michaels last updated
Several Galaxy AI improvements could bring more personalized features to the Galaxy S25 phones. But will it work will enough to overcome skepticism about mobile AI?

The Galaxy S25 series looks a lot better thanks to a change Samsung didn't make
By Philip Michaels published
The Galaxy S25 has a lot in common with its predecessor, including the same price. And that will make a big difference to would-be upgraders.

Samsung Galaxy S25: 5 reasons to buy and 4 reasons to skip
By Philip Michaels published
Considering a Galaxy S25 purchase? Here's what to keep in mind, as we go over what we like and what we don't about Samsung's latest flagship.
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